What do you do with Poppy seeds?

By: Lisa Costa Bir, Naturopath & Food Coach

Mention the words 'poppy seeds' to me and it conjures up images of the little black seeds sticking out of the gigantic orange and poppy seed muffins sold at the school tuck shop as well as the little black seeds dotting the hot, crusty bread rolls from the bakery.

Poppy seeds are of course also terribly famous for their opium content so much so that it has been reported that some opioid users in New Zealand wash and soak large amounts of poppy seeds and then consume the soaked water to bring about calmness and euphoria. Definitely not recommended but one cannot help commending them for their resourcefulness!

Poppy seeds have been used as a medicinal food for centuries in many different cultures. They are native to Asia however these days the seeds are also grown in Australia and various other countries. Poppy seeds are kidney shaped and have a pleasant nutty taste. They come in two colours, there are the tiny little black ones that are actually blue slate in colour; poppy seeds also come in a white variety.

Nutritionally, poppy seeds contain a range of different minerals but are a particularly good source of calcium and magnesium. When consumed in small quantities they typically produce a gentle sedating effect …perfect for those of you who area a bit anxious or overly stimulated.

Where can I purchase poppy seed's?
Poppy seeds can be purchased from your local supermarket relatively cheaply.

How can I use poppy seed's?
Poppy seeds can be added to bread, biscuit's, cakes, friands, muffins, crackers and slices by sprinkling through the pastry. If you make your own pasta or noodles from scratch you can even add poppy seeds to these. Poppy seeds can be added to dips, salads… let your imagination guide you!